Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

spiral · 23rd June 2010, 05:50 PM

Glad to help!

As to your other questions, I would guess the crescent is the moon & the sun is the symbol between the fishes. Both powerfull symbols in Nepal & Hinduism in general. {or everywhere I guess?} I expect some of the flowers will represent the lotus as well.

Hindu weapons always carry so much religious symbolism, but this kothi really takes that to the next stage! .

I would guess it dates from around c.1910 to c.1935

Its really is a beauty.

Some of best & made to be usable kukris turn up in kothi scabbards on occasion, compared to the average issue type pieces & I would guess yours is one of these.

Originaly the richer Chetri warriors in the 19th century would carry there war kukri in kothi scabbards for practical as well as asthetic reasons.

The way the locket & chape hold even a cut or damaged scabbard together & provide a sure & safe grip for drawing, were all plus points I think & in the case of yours {a later style} the silver strips down the side protect the scabbard from being pierced as well.

They were "special" for many reasons historically.

Spiral.

23rd June 2010, 05:50 PM	#8
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Glad to help! As to your other questions, I would guess the crescent is the moon & the sun is the symbol between the fishes. Both powerfull symbols in Nepal & Hinduism in general. {or everywhere I guess?} I expect some of the flowers will represent the lotus as well. Hindu weapons always carry so much religious symbolism, but this kothi really takes that to the next stage! . I would guess it dates from around c.1910 to c.1935 Its really is a beauty. Some of best & made to be usable kukris turn up in kothi scabbards on occasion, compared to the average issue type pieces & I would guess yours is one of these. Originaly the richer Chetri warriors in the 19th century would carry there war kukri in kothi scabbards for practical as well as asthetic reasons. The way the locket & chape hold even a cut or damaged scabbard together & provide a sure & safe grip for drawing, were all plus points I think & in the case of yours {a later style} the silver strips down the side protect the scabbard from being pierced as well. They were "special" for many reasons historically. Spiral. Last edited by Lew; 23rd June 2010 at 08:05 PM.